Designgroup Stapleton Elliott

Level 1, 318 Lambton Quay had been completely guttered with both structure and building services fully exposed. It was a once a very public Westpac Customer Service space that directly supported banking operations located on the ground floor below. A full height glazed edge overlooked Lambton Quay providing a view shaft to Wellington Harbour via Hunter Street.

Our brief required the creation of a collaborative work space which blurs the line between our team, consultants and clients. Engaging with our clients and consultants within our design studio and encouraging them to become involved in the collaborative architectural process underpins what we are about and how we work.

The design studio creates a central working space with support spaces radiating around it, all connected to shared breakout and collaboration spaces. View shafts from front to back remain unimpeded to retain visual connection to the harbour from all parts of the office.

Existing structural beams and columns are exposed in their raw state as is the existing vault which is retained as an acoustically sealed meeting room. Exposed concrete floor in the entrance is offset with refined cedar shiplap panelling. Attention to acoustic and artificial lighting design create a successful open and collaborative studio space

Visitors enter directly into the design studio via an angular gallery displaying examples of our work. A lounge area directly adjacent affords opportunity for casual interaction between staff and our clients. An open plan kitchen and leaner are a key focus of the space. A remnant of its banking history, the original vault has been retained and re-purposed as a lounge style quiet room.

View shafts from front to back remain unimpeded to retain visual connection to the harbour from all parts of the office